Pembrolizumab is a revolutionary cancer drug that has changed the way the medical community treats certain forms of cancer. But who makes this life-saving drug? In this article, we will explore the history of pembrolizumab and the pharmaceutical company that produces it. We will examine the clinical trials and studies that have brought this drug to the forefront of cancer treatment, and discuss the company’s commitment to oncology research and development. Finally, we will explore the potential for future advancements in cancer treatment using pembrolizumab.
Merck & Co. Inc. makes Pembrolizumab, a monoclonal antibody used to treat certain types of cancer. Pembrolizumab was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2014 and is now available as a brand-name drug marketed under the trade name Keytruda.
Who Makes Pembrolizumab?
Pembrolizumab is a prescription medication used to treat certain types of cancer. It is a type of immunotherapy, which means it works by helping the body’s immune system fight the cancer. Pembrolizumab is manufactured by Merck & Co., Inc., a global research-driven biopharmaceutical company.
How Does Pembrolizumab Work?
Pembrolizumab works by blocking a protein known as PD-1, which helps cancer cells evade the immune system. By blocking this protein, pembrolizumab helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
What Types of Cancer Does Pembrolizumab Treat?
Pembrolizumab is approved to treat several types of cancer, including:
- Non-small cell lung cancer
- Head and neck cancer
- Hodgkin lymphoma
- Urothelial carcinoma
- Melanoma
- Classical Hodgkin lymphoma
- Gastric cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Esophageal cancer
What Are the Side Effects of Pembrolizumab?
The most common side effects of pembrolizumab include fatigue, nausea, itching, rash, and decreased appetite. Other side effects may include fever, chills, joint pain, dizziness, and headache. Severe side effects of pembrolizumab can include infusion reactions, severe allergic reactions, and pneumonitis (inflammation of the lungs).
Few Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Pembrolizumab?
Pembrolizumab is a type of immunotherapy drug used to treat different types of cancer, such as melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and head and neck cancer. It works by blocking a protein found on the surface of certain cancer cells, which prevents the cancer cells from growing and dividing.
2. Who makes Pembrolizumab?
Pembrolizumab is made by Merck & Co., Inc., an American pharmaceutical company. It is their brand name for the cancer drug Keytruda, which is a type of monoclonal antibody. Monoclonal antibodies are proteins that are designed to target specific molecules on the surface of cancer cells.
3. How is Pembrolizumab used to treat cancer?
Pembrolizumab is used to treat certain types of cancer by blocking a protein found on the surface of cancer cells, which prevents the cancer cells from growing and dividing. It is usually given as an intravenous infusion every two or three weeks, depending on the type of cancer being treated. It is sometimes used in combination with other cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
4. What side effects can Pembrolizumab cause?
Pembrolizumab can cause a variety of side effects, including fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, rash, itching, and pain at the site of the infusion. It can also cause certain immune-related side effects, such as an increased risk of infection. Some side effects can be serious and require immediate medical attention.
5. How is Pembrolizumab administered?
Pembrolizumab is typically administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion every two or three weeks, depending on the type of cancer being treated. It is usually administered in a hospital or clinic setting, and the infusion typically takes about 30 minutes.
6. Is Pembrolizumab covered by insurance?
The cost of Pembrolizumab varies depending on the type of insurance coverage and the type of cancer being treated. Most insurance plans will cover at least part of the cost of the drug, but some plans may not cover it at all. It is important to check with your insurance provider to determine what coverage is available.
In conclusion, pembrolizumab is a revolutionary drug that has the potential to revolutionize the way we treat cancer. It is a humanized monoclonal antibody developed by Merck Sharp & Dohme, one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. This drug is administered intravenously and is currently approved for the treatment of advanced lung cancer and metastatic melanoma. With its high efficacy and safety profile, pembrolizumab has become one of the most promising treatments for cancer patients. Merck Sharp & Dohme has made a major contribution to the fight against cancer with the development of this innovative drug.